In a discussion about the implementation of country by country reporting, a commentator complained about a series of live tweets saying he thinks some of the tweets being sent are misrepresenting the speakers and it is inappropriate.
The complainant asked the secretariat whether tweets were to be permitted, calling for Chatham House Rule to be invoked (those reporting on the meeting can quote from the discussion if they do not reveal the identity of the speaker).
The secretariat, Joe Andrus, said he thought it would be best if people do not tweet.
Will Morris, chairman of BIAC’s (business and industry advisory committee to the OECD) tax and fiscal policy committee, however, reminded the delegates that the discussion is a public consultation, with members of the press. He added that the meeting is of public interest and is being broadcast on the internet.
Richard Murphy, director of Tax Research, a non-governmental organisation, tweeted:
“Objection has been raised to my tweeting at the OECD by a business representative present. This is a public consultation. Extraordinary.”
In previous tweets, Murphy raised issue with EY and said the firm has an “official view of blocking the tidal wave of country-by-country reporting”.
